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The Vineyard Journal September Edition September in the Vineyard: The Final Countdown September is usually the month when the vineyard begins to feel like harvest is just around the corner. This year, that feeling has arrived earlier than expected. After an extraordinary summer of heat and sunshine, the vines are well ahead of where we would normally expect them to be at this point in the season. England and Wales experienced an exceptionally dry and sunny July, while the wider summer has brought repeated periods of record-breaking heat. Across the English wine industry, growers are reporting healthy vines, clean fruit and encouraging levels of ripening - all pointing towards an early harvest. At Bride Valley, September is therefore all about watching, testing and preparing. The grapes are getting closer by the day, and every decision we make now helps determine when the fruit is ready to come off the vine. Taking the temperature of the vineyard One of the most important jobs this month is bunch sampling. We walk through each block and take completely random samples to build an accurate picture of how the grapes are ripening. To keep things genuinely representative, we choose random numbers for the row, vine an bunch - for example, row 8, vine 14, bunch 5. It doesn't matter whether that particular bunch looks perfect, slightly behind or even completely green. If it is the one the numbers lead us to, it goes into the sample. Once collected, the grapes are tested for pH, sugar level and TA (titratable acidity). Together, these measurements tell us how the fruit is progressing and, importantly, help us decide when the balance is right for harvest. Weighing up the crop Before the samples are crushed and the juice tested, we also weigh them. Bunch weight gives us another useful piece of information when estimating the eventual harvest. Combined with our bunch counts and the size of each block, it helps us build a picture of how much fruit we might expect to bring into the winery. This year, with the dry conditions potentially influencing berry and bunch size, these measurements are particularly useful. Making the cut September is also the time for green harvesting. As the grapes move through véraison and towards full ripeness, we'll be looking carefully for bunches that are significantly behind the rest. Anything that isn't progressing, or shows signs of disease, is removed. It might seem counterintuitive to remove fruit when we're trying to maximise the harvest, but the aim is quality rather than simply quantity. By taking away bunches that aren't going to ripen properly, the vine can concentrate its resources on the fruit that has the best chance of reaching the quality we're looking for. Getting ready for the big one And then there is the less glamorous - but absolutely essential - side of harvest preparation. Crates need cleaning and counting. Harvest scales need calibrating. Snips need sharpening. Tractors, trailers and other equipment need checking. Paperwork needs preparing so that every load can be tracked by variety, block and weight because, once harvest begins, things move quickly. The timing will ultimately be dictated by the grapes themselves. We won't pick simply because the calendar says October. We'll be watching the sugar, pH and acidity closely and waiting for that point when everything comes into balance. After such an extraordinary summer, we're expecting that moment to arrive earlier than usual. A vintage to watch There is already plenty of excitement around the 2026 English vintage. WineGB has described the national outlook as optimistic, with growers reporting good ripening, healthy vineyards and clean fruit after an exceptionally sunny and dry summer. Of course, the final weeks can always change the story. Rain, temperature and conditions at harvest will all play their part. But for now, the vineyard is looking promising - and September is our final stretch before the most important few weeks of the year. Harvest is coming and, this year, it looks like it might arrive sooner than we think! VISIT US Copyright (C) 2026 Bride Valley Wines LTD. All rights reserved. You were subscribed to the newsletter from Bride Valley Vineyard. Bride Valley is part of the Electric Pub Company group. Our mailing address is: Bride Valley Wines LTD Bride Valley Vineyard Litton Cheney Dorchester, Dorset DT2 9GE United Kingdom

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Portesham Renovation Update We are making excellent progress with the refurbishment and expansion of the former dispensary area. I am sure both our staff and patients are looking forward to seeing the completed space and benefiting from the improved facilities and ease of use. We are also continuing with Phase 3 of the project, which will focus on expanding and modernising our administrative area. I would like to take this opportunity to once again thank all our patients and staff for their patience, understanding, and continued support throughout the past few months. Your cooperation has been greatly appreciated as we work to improve our facilities for everyone. Change of details Please keep us informed of any changes to your details, including your next of kin, contact numbers, or preferences regarding sharing information with family members November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month Signs and symptoms of lung cancer Lung cancer may not always have symptoms early on.The symptoms of lung cancer can include: a cough for 3 weeks or more a change in a cough you have had for a long time a chest infection that does not get better, or repeated chest infections feeling breathless and wheezy for no reason coughing up blood losing weight for no obvious reason feeling tired chest or shoulder pain that does not get better a hoarse voice for 3 weeks or more. If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to get them checked by your GP. �� Website: www.princeofwalessurgery.co.uk �� Facebook: Prince of Wales Surgery and Portesham Patient News